Centre Returns DPRs for Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Plans

26 Nov 2025 CW Team

In its communication dated 14 November, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that Coimbatore’s population, as per the 2011 Census, is 1.584 million, while Madurai’s figure is below 1.5 million — both short of the two-million requirement stipulated under Clause D(ii)(a) for initiating metro planning. The ministry highlighted that metro systems are capital-intensive and must ensure long-term financial and operational sustainability.

Transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan challenged the decision, observing that cities with comparable populations — including Agra, Patna and Bhopal — have metro projects underway. He noted that the equity and subordinated-debt components for the Coimbatore and Madurai proposals amount to about Rs 300 million, requiring an annual central share of around Rs 75 million, which he argued is relatively modest compared to the scale of other national infrastructure projects.

Dayanand Krishnan added that the Centre has approved significantly larger projects, such as the Rs 1 trillion high-speed rail system, and that declining Tamil Nadu’s metro plans on grounds of population or cost could deny important mobility benefits to large commuter groups.

Officials at Chennai Metro Rail Limited stressed that the correspondence should not be interpreted as a final rejection. Revised DPRs for both cities will be prepared and resubmitted following consultations with state authorities and central agencies.

The ministry also suggested that Coimbatore and Madurai prioritise modern, cost-efficient mass-transit options such as upgraded bus systems and bus rapid transit systems. According to the approved comprehensive mobility plan for Madurai, existing and projected travel demand could be effectively met through a BRTS rather than a metro network.

The Union Government has returned the detailed project reports submitted for the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail proposals, noting that both cities fall short of the population threshold required under the Metro Rail Policy 2017. Tamil Nadu had submitted comprehensive mobility plans and alternative analyses for the two cities in December 2024.In its communication dated 14 November, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that Coimbatore’s population, as per the 2011 Census, is 1.584 million, while Madurai’s figure is below 1.5 million — both short of the two-million requirement stipulated under Clause D(ii)(a) for initiating metro planning. The ministry highlighted that metro systems are capital-intensive and must ensure long-term financial and operational sustainability.Transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan challenged the decision, observing that cities with comparable populations — including Agra, Patna and Bhopal — have metro projects underway. He noted that the equity and subordinated-debt components for the Coimbatore and Madurai proposals amount to about Rs 300 million, requiring an annual central share of around Rs 75 million, which he argued is relatively modest compared to the scale of other national infrastructure projects.Dayanand Krishnan added that the Centre has approved significantly larger projects, such as the Rs 1 trillion high-speed rail system, and that declining Tamil Nadu’s metro plans on grounds of population or cost could deny important mobility benefits to large commuter groups.Officials at Chennai Metro Rail Limited stressed that the correspondence should not be interpreted as a final rejection. Revised DPRs for both cities will be prepared and resubmitted following consultations with state authorities and central agencies.The ministry also suggested that Coimbatore and Madurai prioritise modern, cost-efficient mass-transit options such as upgraded bus systems and bus rapid transit systems. According to the approved comprehensive mobility plan for Madurai, existing and projected travel demand could be effectively met through a BRTS rather than a metro network.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..